My recent attendance at the Future Energy Asia Exhibition & Summit (FEA) in Bangkok, Thailand, immersed me in Asia's rapidly evolving energy landscape. This high-profile event is a crucial platform for exchanging ideas and innovations, fostering collaboration among key energy stakeholders from various sectors and regions.
As a Project Coordinator with New Energy Capital Asia Pte Ltd, I brought my recent experience of developing a Concept Note on energy and greenhouse emission management for healthcare facilities in Thailand to the table. This opportunity allowed me to engage in pivotal discussions, facilitating my deep dive into the intricacies of the energy sector.
The Rise of Green Hydrogen: A Promising Energy Carrier
A theme that resonated across the summit was the potential of hydrogen, mainly green hydrogen, in the energy transition narrative. Hydrogen, owing to its versatility, can contribute significantly to the decarbonization of various sectors - ranging from heavy industry and transportation to electricity generation and storage.
Yet, while green hydrogen is emerging as a viable energy storage solution, it is essential to understand that it is not a silver bullet. It is an energy carrier, not a fuel in the conventional sense. The production, distribution, and storage of hydrogen necessitate substantial infrastructure - a challenge that could be among the most difficult to overcome in the decarbonization agenda if we rely on hydrogen.
Navigating Friction Points in the Energy Transition
The energy transition journey, though promising, is full of obstacles. As revealed in the discussions at FEA, ASEAN's energy landscape harbors several friction points that need addressing. Heavy dependence on fossil fuels, the need for significant infrastructural advancement, and the requirement for substantial investment are some of these hurdles.
Mitigating these friction points is integral to accelerating the transition to clean electricity. This necessitates enhancing energy efficiency, boosting renewable power generation, and decisively switching to low-emission fuels. Moreover, ASEAN members must commit to low-carbon energy more pronouncedly and work towards enhancing regulatory and financing frameworks.
Advocating for Renewable Energy: Reducing Friction Before Adding Force
A key takeaway from the summit was the realization that the transition to cleaner energy is not just about adding force—it's also about reducing friction. This means dispelling misconceptions about the cost and reliability of renewable energy, advocating for the long-term economic and environmental benefits of clean energy, and showcasing viable, clean alternatives to fossil fuels.
Hydrogen in the ASEAN Region: The Road Ahead
In the ASEAN region, hydrogen is predominantly used in manufacturing processes, but most are not "green." The production of green hydrogen remains expensive compared to other forms of hydrogen. Thus, developing hydrogen-related infrastructure projects is necessary to decarbonize an economy.
Achieving a resilient net-zero future will hinge on technology, R&D, training, capacity building, and affordable financing.
Conclusion: The Journey Ahead
In conclusion, my participation in the Future Energy Asia Exhibition & Summit was an invaluable learning experience. It served as a platform for engagement with leaders of the energy and mobility industries, enabling an understanding of their unique challenges and possible solutions.
Navigating the energy transition is an enormous task, and much work must be done. However, the potential rewards of a cleaner, more sustainable future are immense. As I delve deeper into the energy sector, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities in the journey toward a sustainable energy future. The summit underscored the need for a delicate balancing act - pushing for a rapid transition while acknowledging the region's diversity and unique energy requirements. It is an exciting and transformative time to be part of the energy sector.
Next Up
The Future Energy Asia Exhibition & Summit has piqued my interest in decentralized green hydrogen models. A recent German Energy Agency (dena) study highlights their potential for climate neutrality and supply security. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post where I will delve deeper into these intriguing concepts and their role in driving local energy transitions.